Episode 3: Claire Asherson Bartram, Psychotherapist

In episode three of Step Life, Rachel Silver talks to Dr. Claire Asherson Bartram BA UKCP, a psychotherapist who specialises in working with stepfamilies.

Claire has a personal and professional interest in stepfamilies, and has been writing, researching and running groups on stepfamily issues for over 20 years. She founded StepIN ASAP which is an organisation of psychotherapists who share their personal and professional experiences in order to be able to support stepfamilies. Since its inception they have been developing therapy and counselling services and educational events for people who find themselves in stepfamily situations and for people who work with them; for example teachers and social workers.

Claire talks to Rachel about why she started to work with blended families and gives her advice on a number of common issues stepfamilies face and how to deal with them. She touches on how to have better communication with your partner and stepchildren and how to deal with your ex partner or partner's ex.